The Reds should start a line in fine cutlery. They don’t have to chew opponents. They slice them up and swallow them whole. Today, United beat Aston Villa 3-0 to win their 20th English champions crown, crossing the finishing line miles ahead of their closest rival, Manchester City.

United’s carving is done by a silver team assembled by the old master, coach Sir Alex Ferguson, a 71-year old Scot. History marks him as Britain’s most successful coach. He would need 13 fingers for his championship rings. Before his soccer career, he found his mettle as a young man working in the Govan shipyards of Glasgow, Scotland’s hardest city. No other coach is able to motivate like Fergie. Solidarity is painted thick on to the hull of his team. And those who have served under his steering – the likes of Real Madrid’s Ronaldo and David Beckham – consider him their soccer father.

The senior citizen’s iron will to win remains unbent. He has no plans to retire to the lawn bowling green. He wants more silverware, so the forge at Manchester will continue to roar. Congratulations to Fergie and Manchester United.